Eastwood Public School: Each can serve

Subscribe: have the newsletter delivered by email.

24th November, 2009

Quality Work

Congratulations Sophie Liang, Brandon and Eunice from 4S on your efforts with your writing tasks last week. You each organised your thoughts very well and used impressive language.

Well done Diaz and Nancy from 3P on your efforts in writing and presenting verbal explanations of how some simple everyday machines work. Also from 3P, Jay, congratulations on your fantastic spelling and writing last week.

Derek and Ravindu, from 1M, thank you for sharing with such enthusiasm how you designed and made functioning transformers. The transformers were very impressive.

It was also great to see John and Harrison from KB doing a great job in their writing today. Your use of sounds and sight words just keeps getting better.

Planning for 2010

If you are planning for your child to finish school before Dec 16 would you please advise the school in writing prior to your leaving. Also if you are planning to return to school later than the starting date of January 28th 2010 please advise the school. Forms that you may use to provide the advice are available from the school office.

Late Pick Ups

A reminder that the end of school day bell goes at 3.10pm and all students, unless involved in supervised activity are expected to leave the school grounds and head home. When a student is not picked up by their parent they should go to


the school office and inform the Principal or Deputy Principal.

If a parent is running late to pick up their child the parent should contact the school and advise of the likely time of pick up.

Disco

Don’t forget this Friday evening Disco (K-2 6.30 pm- 7.45pm) 3 -6 8pm -9.30pm).  All students are invited.  

You don’t have to be a great dancer – all you need is an interest in fun.  What a great way to spend an evening with your best friends.  

Be There!

Ex Students of Nick Parry

The End of Year concert on Dec 2nd will be the last performance for groups that have been taught by Nick Parry.

All ex students of Nick’s are invited to the concert to help make it a special event for Nick in acknowledgement of over a decade of working at EPS.

“It is only in going uphill that one realises how fast one is going downhill” – George Dumaurier

 
Upcoming Events

Nov 26 – Yr 4 – IMAX Theatre
Nov 26 – School Club Luncheon
Nov 27 – Disco (PM)
Nov 30 – Dec 2 – C.A.R.E.S – Yrs 5/6
Dec 2 – End of Year Concert
Dec 7 – K-2 – Presentation Day
Dec 8 – Yrs 3 to 6 – Presentation Day
Dec 10 – Yr 6 Farewell

2010 Enrolment

The school is now accepting enrolments for all grades, including kindergarten for the 2010 school year. Children born between August 1 2004 and July 31 2005 are eligible for enrolment in kindergarten next year. If you are considering enrolment of a family member at Eastwood Public School in 2010 please collect an application for enrolment form from the school office.

Change of Date

The date for the end of year luncheon conducted by the School Club has been changed from Dec 3 to Thursday November 26. The luncheon will be held from 1.10pm to 1.55pm. The change was due to the school having other commitments on the original day.

Maths Olympiad

Eastwood Public School performed exceptionally well again this year in the Australasian Problem Solving Maths Olympiad. Over 25,000 students entered the competition. Eastwood’s Team A (Year 6) were placed in the top 10% of all the teams because of their fabulous mathematical ability!!

Congratulations to all who took part in the competition.

Sports Report

PSSA
The heat haze was building before 9am and that ripple effect could be seen across the playground, a far cry from our winter season when blankets of rain stopped play. The predication was for high 30s to low 40s and the powers that be were convinced nothing good would have come from sending our courageous cricketers, softballers, and mighty T-ballers out in that heat. The air was thick and breathing was not a pleasant experience and so the season ended the way it started, with a wash out (well not quite but you get what I mean). This final round was a make up game from round 1 earlier in the year. We were set to play Hunters Hill but it just wasn’t meant to be. Staying cool in the air conditioning was the only sensible thing to do.

Now, what does all of this mean for our teams in with a chance of semi final glory? I hear you ask. From early calculations and applying a dense combination of mathematical equations it would seem feasible that junior cricket are through to the semi finals next week. The only problem we have of being sure is some schools are still to enter all their results and this may well throw out our calculations.

We will attempt to have this cleared by the time this newsletter goes to print, however in any case those boys involved in the junior cricket team should be prepared. So if they are indeed involved in the semi finals the team will need to travel by private car. So stay tuned to Miss Dundas as to what will need to happen before the game on Friday.

A great season for all teams, there was some disappointment but plenty of great achievements in all teams. Next PSSA season will begin next year in Term 1. Cricket, softball and T-ball will be on again. If you are thinking of trying out please listen carefully in assemblies for try-out dates and times (they might start this year).

Thanks again to all students who represented EPS with pride and a huge thank you to the teachers who have coached and managed a team this year - Mrs. Power, Mrs. Bird, Miss Dundas, Miss Nimmons, Mr. Ramsay and Mr. Adcock.

All the effort, flexibility and patience each season is greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much to the supporters, the teams really enjoy and value your cheering.

Go junior cricket!

PSSA semi final update

Unfortunately the results did not fall the way EPS needed, ending a positive season for all teams. Next year....

Library News

Parents, could you please encourage your students to return their library books as soon as possible as painting, then stock take will commence within the next week or so.

It would be greatly appreciated if parents could help reshelve the library once the painting of the library is complete. It is anticipated that help will be needed after December 4.

CHESS NEWS
Congratulations to the team of William, Johnson and Ganan who participated in the Primary Schools one day chess tournament last Wednesday. The team came 2nd out of 38 teams, which makes them eligible to participate in the finals this Sunday.
An enrolment form for the Eastwood Public School one day chess tournament being held here at school on Tues 15th December can be found in the newsletter.
We'd love to see ANYONE FROM YEARS 2-6  for chess at lunchtime in the hall.

School Disco  - this Friday
 
The School Disco is on this Friday 27th November.  It is a great night for the kids who have so much fun - we would love your child to come along. Please note, if children do not want to dress as a character, they can just come as themselves!!
 
Details are as follows:
 
K-2 Session  6.30 - 7.45pm
Years 3-6 Session: 8.00pm - 9.30pm
Cost: If you buy your ticket early (before the night) the price is $6.00 per child or $10 for 2 children or $15 for 3 or more children from the same family (includes chips and ice blocks).
Please buy your ticket before school (from 8.45am) this Wed or Thursday outside the hall (order form in the newsletter).  


Space Camp News

Thanks to all those who supported the Space Camp Sunblock Fundraiser. Orders will be sent home this week.

Many thanks to Sinead, Cathy and Sarah in the office for handling the money. What a cheerful efficient and helpful lot they are.

Also thanks to Mrs Slaviero for her enthusiasm.

TUPPERWARE PARTY FUNDRAISER FOR SPACE CAMP

As mentioned in last week's newsletter, there will be a tupperware party in the staffroom tonight at 6:30 pm.
All proceeds to Space Camp.
There is a lucky door prize.
I have it from a great source that you can organise your pantry and impress your friends with all the beautiful Tupperware!
Please feel free to bring your friends!
See you at 6:30 pm!

BUNNINGS BARBEQUE FUNDRAISER
SPACE CAMP 2010

There is a fundraising barbeque on Sunday 29th November at Bunnings North Parramatta.
Hope to see you there!

Book Club News

Book club catalogues have been handed out to children this week. All orders are to be back at school by this Friday, 27th November. Late orders and cash payments will NOT be accepted. If you wish to purchase books as a present, please include a note with your contact details so books are not delivered to the classroom.
Orders can be placed in the Office mail slot, and must include
-    an envelope marked “Book Club” showing child’s name and class;
-    completed order form or forms from the back of the catalogue;
-    a cheque (made payable to Scholastic Australia) or a receipt number.
Credit card payments can be made online at scholastic.com.au or by calling 1800 021 233, and the receipt number recorded on the order form. Only one cheque or receipt number is needed if you are paying for several orders in one issue.

Jump Rope for Heart

Thank you for your wonderful support of our Heart Foundation Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser. The children certainly embraced the skipping and it would be great to see the momentum continue, so please encourage them to continue. A good way would be to do some skipping WITH them at home – and do YOUR heart some good at the same time!!
Prizes will be sent home once they arrive in the next few weeks. As you know there has been a lot going on in the school this term and I apologise for the time taken. School receipt for monies received will be sent home at the same time.

The Heart Foundation issues the tax deductible receipts. For tax deductions, if anyone would like a receipt, the Heart Foundation volunteers are happy to arrange this for you. You will need to contact Fiona at the Heart Foundation at jrfh_nsw@heartfoundation.org.au or call (02) 9219 2470 to confirm your details etc. The Heart Foundation requires all sponsorship forms to be returned.

The most important thing about Jump Rope for Heart is not the money raised, but raising awareness about living a fit and healthy life.

Build on the enthusiasm and enjoyment your child has shown in being active
Remember:  healthy active body = a healthy active mind = a healthy active life!!

Thank you very much for your support.

PDHPE
Personal Development Health Physical Education

Building Resilience in Children
Resilience is the ability to:
•    Cope with life’s ups and downs
•    Recover well when things go wrong.
•    Adapt well to various sources of stress
Why build resilience?
•    Academic Performance: If a child is smart and not resilient, they may not achieve as much as a child who is smart and also resilient especially in times of stress.
•    Personal Coping skills: Resilience can protect your children from problems in later life and help them cope with difficult and stressful situations.
•    Relationships/interpersonal skills: Resilience can help your child have a productive relationship with others. They are better able to cope with work and social stress.

Source: IPS Worldwide ‘Building Resilience in Children’.
Full handout available at office.

P&C News
 
Parents and Staff Christmas Lunch - this Thursday
All parents are invited to a light Christmas lunch with teachers on this Thursday 26 November (1.10-1.55pm) in the school hall. The P&C's School Club is also requesting that parents bring along a plate of finger food to share such as spring rolls, sandwiches, cakes or sushi. We would like to be able to provide a nice lunch for the teachers who have worked so hard this year and would appreciate any assistance from parents with this. Toddlers are welcome too!

Update from P&C Meeting last Wednesday

As last week's P&C meeting we heard a presentation from Danielle Blanch from the NSW Teacher's Federation regarding Federal Government funding for NSW public schools. If you would like a copy of the information presented, please email the P&C Secretary and Megan can email you a copy: Megan@excelan.com.au.

The meeting also heard that a few additional bits and pieces for the new School Hall PA (public address) system should be finalised in time for the end of year music concert. We are hearing many good reports and feedback from teachers and parents about the difference the system has made to the many assemblies, class plays, concerts and other performances and events in the school hall this term. Many thanks to Gerard O'Shea who has been our resident parent sound system expert in the long-running effort to have the new system installed. This project was fully funded by the 2008 Spring Fair and P&C Building Fund, and is an investment the school community will benefit from for at least the next 10-15 years.

We also heard an update on the new Uniform Shop point of sale system that is being arranged by our new P&C I.T. Committee under Winnie Cheung, and in particular one of our expert parents, Seng Sirimat. We should have the new system up and running in time for the onslaught of new parents wanting new uniforms at the beginning of term one, 2010.
 
On another exciting front, the P&C approved the use of P&C building funds money for upgrading the toilets, particularly the infant’s blocks. This money will supplement limited funds from the Federal Government's BER expenditure. Look out for more news in upcoming weeks on how the Toilet Action Group (TAG) team plan to improve the facilities.  The TAG team was initiated as a response to parents' concerns and the P&C are confident the community will be happy that the P&C money, collected during Voluntary Contributions earlier this year, will be used for this purpose. TAG will also be looking at how we can encourage students to look after their toilet facilities and behave appropriately once the toilets are refurbished!
 
The meeting was also updated on the outcome of the recent meeting with the DET and the Community Languages Schools regarding how rooms will be used in future. Christine Lucas and Owen Craig, along with Luke Witney, Sue Leitch and Dail McGilchrist (School Education Director), met with the Principals of the Community Language Schools that use Eastwood Public School facilities on weekends. A solution to the issues experienced by the school in relation to weekend use was presented, and after some discussion, all parties agreed on a new arrangement for allocation of rooms and buildings from January 2010. This new arrangement will allocate one room per user each weekend, and enable ultimate accountability for the use of each classroom. P&C is very pleased with the outcome, and we would like to thank the Community Language School Principals for their understanding and cooperation. Mr Witney will meet with the schools shortly to finalise contracts for 2010.
P&C Meeting Minutes and Committee Reports by Email
 
If you would like to receive regular copies of the P&C meeting minutes and committee reports via email, whether you are able to attend the meetings or not, please email our Secretary on Megan@excelan.com.au with "P&C Minutes please" in the subject line and Megan will add you to the circulation list.

Music Surveys
 
Reminder to parents to please provide us feedback on the Music Survey. The Music Committee is keen to hear from both Music and Non-Music families. If you have lost your copy of the survey, it can be found on the school website.
 
Owen Craig (President)
Email: o.craig@ozemail.com.au
Christine Lucas (Vice-President)
Email: upsidemss@optusnet.com.au  

Music News

Piano Plus Concert
Last Tuesday we had a terrific lunchtime concert with a great variety of acts, from trombones to strings to Kindy singers. Thank you very much to all our wonderful performers, to the judges; Ms Leitch and Ms Brown, our ‘bouncer’ Mr Witney and to the beautifully behaved audience.
 
Music Survey
Music Survey was distributed last week to all children. The Music Committee would appreciate all families taking a few minutes to complete the survey as your feedback will assist greatly in our planning for 2010.

Please return the Music Survey to your child's rehearsal coordinator next week. Alternatively, you can leave it at the school office via the mailbox by 27 November.  

All children returning the survey will be placed in a draw to win two Greater Union Movie Tickets - the draw will take place at the End of Year Concert on 2 December!  

The survey is also available on the school website, via email, or you can complete it online by going to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=6r5tWCUzcS_2becdLdqXRIIA_3d_3d

We look forward to your support and feedback.
 
Performances

Please mark dates in calendar and support these events:
Nov 25 Southern Cross Nursing Home - Yr 4 quartet, piano trio
Dec 2   End of Year Concert - all school instrumental groups, choirs, dance groups

Next Music Committee Meeting Wednesday 9th Dec 8pm at school staff room

If you have any queries or suggestion, please write to music_eps@yahoo.com.au


TWT/Rotary Community Carols at North Ryde

Sunday 20th DECEMBER AT NORTH RYDE COMMONS CNR WICKS & TWIN ROAD
Children involvement needed again!
For Combined choir & finale procession

The annual TWT/ Rotary Community Carols  at North Ryde Spectacular is being held this year on Sunday evening the 20th December at North Ryde Commons, Wicks Road.

After another successful carols last year we had 15 Primary Schools from the local area & 3 from the outer areas who were part of the Choir & finale spectacular at North Ryde Commons, which was seen by an attendance of 15,000 people on our big outdoor audio visual screens. The night was truly filled with the Christmas spirit, this is one of the biggest Carols by Candlelight in the Community.

I am in the process of organizing the Choir & finale again for the evenings entertainment.. This year the choir will be performing at 6.30pm for approximately 30 minutes.
I have set out dates & times for these practices. Practices will be held at St Anthony’s Tennis Hall not the School hall(under renovations). Tennis Hall is located inside St Anthony’s Parish Carpark. Agincourt Road

For those interested in being part of the Choir, practices will be held:

Saturday morning  5th December  10.00am – 11.30am  
Monday 7th December after school 3.45pm – 5pm

Thursday evening 10th December
Performance at Eastwood Mall Carols – we will use this opportunity as a practice.
Children will perform at 8.30pm.

Monday 14th December – after school 3.45pm – 5pm

Thursday  17th December – after school 3.45pm – 5pm

For those who are interested please contact me by email or phone as soon as possible as I need to organize logistics etc for this event.

Kind regards
Roseanna Gallo JP
Email: roseanna@rgmusic.com.au

A Holiday Activity!
Innovation, creativity, problem solving -- the world of robotics at NASA is all of these things. Bookmark this new one-stop shop on NASA.gov for news about robotics for educators and students. Check out the things to do on the site to see if robotics might be in your future.
Things you can do on this site:

• Answer the question: What Is Robotics?
• Practise your programming skills with the interactive robotic activity.
• Watch and download video and multimedia features about robotics.
• Follow a timeline tracing the history of robotics.
• Check out lesson plans for your classroom.
• Stay up-to-date with information about NASA-supported robotics competitions.
• Visit the Robotics Image Gallery.
• Explore other worlds with NASA through robotic spacecraft discoveries.
• Read about scientists and engineers who design and test robots.
• Browse NASA Web sites for information about robotics.

http://www.nasa.gov/education/robotics